* 20 – 27 June : ‘Seeing Things - a Poetry Course’ (in English). Cost £535. Full details

A poetry-writing course that offers you the chance to slow down, take notice and refresh your way of looking at the world. The aim is to explore the unseen - the instincts and feelings which underpin experience - to help each writer develop their own unique vision. The course will include daily group writing workshops, close reading of poems, private writing time and one to one tutorials, as well as the chance to share creative work in a supportive atmosphere. All levels of experience are welcome.

* 25 – 31 July : ‘Yoga’ (in French). Cost: 510€. Full details

Jean-François returns for a workshop exploring the fundamental principles of yoga. Using asanas (postures), pranayama (breath work) and the silent art of meditation, he will lead us towards a greater awareness of the relationship between body and spirit to guide us gently towards a union of our whole being. Meals will be prepared together as a group, in order to foster a shared sense of responsibility – and fun! - among participants.

* 1 - 8 August : ‘Finding Your Voice in Writing’ (in English) Cost: £510. Full details

This course is for anyone - pure beginner or more experienced writer - who wants to explore their creativity and develop a personal voice in writing. Tutor Crysse Morrison will help you explore all aspects of style and narrative, including using memories, imagining characters, describing settings and using dialogue. The emphasis is on enjoyment and fun, and ideas are adaptable to any genre from poetry to novels. Includes one-to-one sessions to discuss and advise on personal work.

* 8 - 15 August : ‘Art and Yoga’ (in English) Cost: £760. Full details

Refresh, recharge and relax as you learn to draw, paint and improve your yoga practice in a supportive, creative and inspiring environment. The Art workshops will be fun and designed to inspire confidence and creativity using a variety of different materials and techniques including pencils, paints, charcoal, pastels and collage. They are ideal for beginners and those who ‘dabble’. The Yoga workshops are suitable for all levels and will work to stretch out your aches and stiffness, align your joints, calm the nervous system and quieten the mind.

* 15 - 22 August : Healing Retreat (in English) Cost: £525. Full details

You do not have to put up with chronic pain, emotional distress or spiritual uncertainty. The aim of this retreat is to put you on your own personal healing path. Working in group and individual sessions, we will discover the nature of illness and imbalance. Whatever your issues, we will find out the reasons for them, and what messages our bodies are communicating to us through the medium of ill-health. With this knowledge the healing process can begin. Daily yoga and meditation classes will complement the healing sessions as will the catering which is based on Ayurvedic principles.

Ayurveda trainings at Gardoussel

Gardoussel Retreat regularly hosts Ayurveda events organised by the European Institute of Vedic Studies (www.atreya.com). Please see their website for details of Ayurveda trainings, workshops and correspondance courses offered in England, Switzerland and France. Subjects include Ayurvedic Massage, Marma Therapy, Ayurvedic Nutrition, Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Jyotish (Vedic Astrology).